9 items you absolutely shouldn't store in the basement or cellar
Many of us have a basement or cellar in our homes that we can store items that are not used on a daily basis. We can imagine these spaces as an extension of our homes, almost like a large storage closet.
However, it's not advisable to cram anything into these spots. There are certain items that should absolutely not be stored in a basement or cellar! Let's take a look at what these items are and why in this practical guide:
Old books
Pickpik
If you have a load of old books you will never read again, it may seem like a good idea to put them in the cellar or basement, perhaps inside cardboard boxes. This is a huge mistake!
Cellars and basements are generally "famous" for being very humid and consequently there is no worse place to store books, especially if they are old and fragile.
Leather suitcases
v.ivash/Freepik
Another classic mistake is to store suitcases in a cellar and then forget about them for months. However, mold will quickly form if you leave your luggage in the dark and cold.
Leather suitcases, in particular, will definitely be damaged, cracking and emitting an odor quite different from the characteristic smell of this material. We also advise against filling old suitcases with anything that is made of paper: since suitcases cannot be hermetically sealed/closed, air can always get in and damage these items.
Clothes of any type
Because of humidity, you should never leave clothing exposed to the air in your basement. Any fabric will inevitably get damaged, and attracting insects and pests of all kinds too!
Chemical products
It's a fairly common practice to keep chemicals in a separate area, perhaps to keep them out of reach of children, so why not in the basement or cellar?
Well, because liquids and vapors could escape from a defective paint can, for example, or any other flammable/toxic product. If you have a radiator, heater, or furnace in the basement, the heat could start a dangerous reaction.
Family photos and documents
stockgiu/Freepik
Many people keep their old family photos/photo albums, important documents and other paperwork in the cellar.
But again, the humidity will damage paper materials over time. Not to mention attracting insects that are particularly fond of using paper as a food source or nest-building material!
Firewood
mrsiraphol/Freepick
You might believe that at least firewood can be stored safely in a cellar, but unfortunately, it's not that simple.
Spaces lacking proper ventilation will not only make your firewood damp but will also cause it to rot, giving rise to an unpleasant odor and a lot of smoke when burned.
Food for pets
Pet food is often purchased in large quantities and then stored in the basement or cellar.
However, most packaging for pet food, and perishable items in general, are susceptible to being damaged by insects or deteriorating before the expiration date due to excessively humid conditions.
Antique wooden furniture and old electronic appliances
Freepik
Old furniture should not be placed in poorly ventilated areas, like cellars. If made of wood, the furniture will rot and will attract termites.
And the same is true for all electronic devices: their circuits will be irreversibly damaged by the damp.
So, what should be stored in cellars and basements?
What can be stored in cellar or basement?
Actually, the answer is practically everything, including most of the items we have listed up to this point: the important thing is not what, but how!
You can store almost anything inside plastic containers or any airtight containers of your choice: by doing so, there will be no opportunity for insects or humidity to damage your precious belongings!
